Aetherblade Continent, Stellaria City, Sword Testing Hall.
There were ten lengthy queues of individuals, stretching from the interior of the hall to the exterior. Upon closer inspection, all the individuals appeared to be youthful boys and girls.
These days marked the annual event where the third-class Zephyr Blade Sect recruited external disciples near Stellaria City. Almost every young individual who met the criteria would show up to register. It reads like a scene straight out of a bestseller. Upon joining the Zephyr Blade Sect, even as an outer disciple, one could be likened to a fish leaping over the dragon's gate.
Leo found himself amidst the line, moving along with the crowds. After the last individual vanished, it was his moment to step forward. As he straightened his clothes, he glanced anxiously at the examiner.
"Title." A man in his middle years, clutching a jade slip, sat behind a desk and inquired a bit impatiently.
Even though his role was just to register people, after signing up numerous individuals day after day, he started to feel impatient.
"Leonard Sinclair."
Upon hearing the question, Leo promptly stated his name.
"Age, strength."
"Sixteen years old, working on refining my body to reach the second level."
As the information was being recorded, the examiner stole a quick glance at Leo. The man in his middle years shook his head silently. Today, the sect's recruitment numbers were not significant. Even if a character reaches the third level of refinement, there is no guarantee of success. Advancing in body refining at the second level seemed nearly impossible.
Alright, your number is 720. Return to this location in two weeks and await the evaluation.
"Thank you so much, senior examiner." Leo spoke in a polite manner.
The man in his middle years gestured for Leo to leave. An inexperienced individual at the second level of body refining failed to spark any interest.
Upon receiving his identification number, Leo let out a sigh as he exited the lengthy queue.
After waiting in line for a few hours, he had finally managed to register. In 15 days, the outcome of his assessment for joining the Zephyr Blade Sect will be revealed. Reflecting on it, he found himself unable to loosen his hold on his number. This was his final opportunity.
Leo was not considered a true resident of Stellaria City, being the sole heir of a modest clan residing in Azure Peak Village. Describing the Sinclair family as a clan was quite generous. Currently, the Sinclair family is facing a downfall. Within the family, besides him, his father, and his older sister, there were only a handful of servants.
However, due to this situation, the Sinclair family has faced many challenges, especially in recent times. The third young master of the Whitaker family developed an interest in Leo's older sister and was determined to marry her against her will.
Imagine if a man and a woman were married, even if it was against their will. Everyone in Azure Peak Village was well aware of the reputation of the Whitaker family's third young master. Leo was determined to prevent his older sister from falling into the pit of fire.
For the declining Sinclair family, facing the Whitaker family left them defenseless. Leo had one shot to join the Zephyr Blade Sect. Once he became an outer disciple, the Whitaker family would not dare to harm the Sinclair family's members.
Leo arrived at the Zephyr Blade Sect's assessment, not for his own sake but for his older sister. This was his sole opportunity!
There were still fifteen days remaining. He may yet enhance his strength on a single level. That way, the odds of success would be improved.
After making a decision, Leo swiftly exited.
Leo encountered a group of people obstructing his path shortly after leaving the Sword Testing Hall.
A row of robust servants obstructed Leo's way. A disheveled young person, carelessly clutching a folding fan, approached Leo.
"Leo, are you really here to sign up for the Zephyr Blade Sect's assessment?" Did you truly believe that your strength alone would make you popular among others? Laughing out loud...
Harold Whitaker stood in Leo's way, a member of the Whitaker family.
Harold and Leo were familiar with each other. Usually, Harold spent time with Franklin Whitaker. Harold raised the matter with Franklin Whitaker after speaking to Leo's older sister. Leo despised Harold just as much as he despised Franklin Whitaker.
As Harold's laughter filled the room, Leo sternly addressed Harold: "Forget about that idea," he said icily. I am determined to prevent my older sister from marrying into the Whitaker family.
Upon hearing those words, Harold burst into laughter, making a "Pa" noise as he closed his fan. He continued to speak with a tone of contempt: "In recent years, have you ever witnessed a girl in Azure Peak Village that my third older brother did not pursue after showing interest in her?" Your older sister is just like a character in a captivating novel... One day, she will also get to know her third older brother's bed as a plaything! Who can predict what will happen once my third older brother is done playing with her? Maybe I'll get a chance too. Ha ha!
Harold Whitaker's voice had a captivating allure.
"As long as I'm still here, you all better not even think about bragging!" Listening to Harold Whitaker disrespect his beloved older sister, Leo couldn't help but respond with anger.
Whether or not there will be bragging is not within your control. Is there still a chance for you to join the Zephyr Blade Sect? It's important to note that I need to shatter your expectations once and for all. Harold's face twisted into an unpleasant grin.
After delivering his speech, Harold Whitaker slyly winked at the servants standing nearby. The servants had a sudden realization and swiftly walked past Leo.
When Harold made a move, Leo instinctively took a step back. He was just at a basic body-refinement level, while the Whitaker family's servants were at least at a higher body-refinement level. Leo was clearly outmatched, facing not just one opponent but three or four adversaries at once.
It was evident to onlookers that a young clan master was mistreating a young boy from the general public during the conflict between Leo and Harold. Unrelated individuals avoided it, steering clear of potential trouble.
On that side, the servants had already triumphed over Leo. The strength gap was insurmountable. Just as Leo was about to put up a fight, a servant swiftly struck the back of his neck, rendering him unconscious in mere moments.
"Young master, how do you suggest we handle this child?" The most powerful servant humbly inquired of Harold.
Surveying the area, there were a considerable number of people passing by. Harold furrowed his brow and suggested, "Let's head out of the city before we discuss this further."
In Stellaria City, Harold wouldn't even think of committing such a crime, unlike in Azure Peak Village, where he might have considered it. Harold was cautious not to be overly confident. In Stellaria City, a large clan overshadowed the biggest family in Azure Peak Village.
Swiftly, before long, Harold led the servants out of the city to the wilderness.
"What shall we do with him, young master?" We are in a remote location, and even if we were to eliminate him, there would be no witnesses. "Perhaps we should consider this option," one of the servants proposed.
Upon hearing this, Harold paused briefly before agreeing: "Hmm, let's just say this kid is fortunate." This time, we will let him go. Inflict enough damage to incapacitate him for a significant period of time. Isn't he interested in participating in the evaluation? I'm curious to see how he will manage to attend.
Harold didn't hold a prominent position within the Whitaker family. Most of the time, he depended on Franklin as if he were a cunning fox, embodying the power of a tiger. Without Franklin present, he refrained from being overly arrogant. He was still hesitant to eliminate Leo.
Upon receiving Harold's order, the servants promptly started to assault the unconscious Leonard. These servants had assisted Harold in carrying out these actions on numerous occasions. They were skilled at targeting vulnerable areas to inflict pain without causing fatal harm. Despite being unconscious, Leo's face still showed signs of pain.
Once Harold was done, he cast Leo into the wilderness and departed with his men. When Leonard was devoured by wild creatures, that was the least of his concerns.